Northeast Portland’s Benson Polytechnic High School was evacuated Tuesday morning due to a chemical spill.
Police and fire officials did not say which chemicals were involved. But at a press conference Tuesday afternoon they said a student drank the toxic chemicals and then spilled them on the floor of the school cafeteria.
Portland Fire & Rescue and medical crews were called to the scene just after 8:30 a.m. Within minutes, PF&R noted the spill was contained to one room.
FILE - Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Ore., on Feb. 28, 2025.
Natalie Pate / OPB
The school was evacuated so emergency responders could evaluate the building and identify the chemicals involved.
A PF&R spokesperson said up to 200 students and staff members were medically evaluated on nearby athletic fields, and no other people were injured or sickened as a result of the incident.
PF&R medically evaluated up to 200 students and staff members in the athletic fields with no additional transports to the hospital and no additional patients as a result of this incident.
— Portland Fire & Rescue (@PDXFire) September 8, 2026
Portland Public Schools spokesperson Shirell Hennessy sent out a statement confirming the evacuation.
“There was a chemical spill this morning at Benson High School. The school has been evacuated and the spill has been contained. At least one student is receiving medical attention,” her statement reads. “School will be closed until emergency personnel have cleared the building.“
During a press conference just after noon on Tuesday, officials announced that a joint investigation was underway, involving the Portland Police Bureau, PF&R and PPS.
The student who ingested the chemicals was in critical condition, according to PPB spokesperson Mike Benner. He said homicide detectives were among the investigators called to the scene.
Police want to hear from any students, staff or others with information about what happened to the student.
Hazardous materials officials at the school said anyone exposed to the chemical spill might feel nausea or a sore throat. Anyone who was nearby and is experiencing these symptoms is urged to take a shower, put on fresh clothing, and get fresh air.
